Christian Kimber started designing footwear in 2011 and stocked it in stores such as Harrolds in Melbourne and Sydney; Barneys in New York; and a handful of stores across Scandinavia in 2013.
Since then, his small Melbourne boutique has grown into a complete luxury menswear brand with a focus on fit, function and form. Seasonal pieces inspired by the local landscape join a permanent collection of knitwear, shirts, trousers and outerwear. All are manufactured ethically in Europe and Australia by specialist artisans, using high-quality textiles from family-run mills in short, sustainable runs.
There’s less of an emphasis on footwear these days, but the small range of loafers and desert boots still combine Kimber’s classic sensibilities (a mark of his training on London’s Savile Row) with Australia’s casual lifestyle.
The atmosphere of the brand’s Fitzroy and Armadale stores take into account Kimber’s belief that men – many of them, at least – dislike shopping. To that end, both spaces feel like a cross between a clubhouse and a lounge room; replete with comfy couches, armchairs and rugs. Scattered pot plants complement walls that are decorated with eclectic art.
